5 Ways to Pretend You're in New Orleans for Mardi Gras — Mardi Gras

In New Orleans, Mardi Gras isn't just a day — it's a month of celebration with masquerade balls and parades and music and merriment that culminates on "Fat Tuesday," the day before Ash Wednesday and the more somber Lenten season.

Today — Lundi Gras — it is not uncommon for locals to go out for a boozy lunch that stretches all the way until dinner. In fact, it is a fair bet to say that if you leave for lunch, your boss will not expect you to return until Wednesday (and then, slightly hungover).

If you are lucky enough to be in New Orleans, we are green (and gold and purple) with envy (and we have a few ideas for how to spend your time). If you are not in New Orleans, however, you can still participate in the revelry.

Here are five ways to make believe you're in the Big Easy — no flight required.

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